As part of this trip crosses the border between the Valencian Community and Castilla la Mancha, it’s been a while since we’ve been able to enjoy it as regions had previously closed their boundaries as a Covid security measure. It was therefore with much anticipation and eagerness that John and I made the trip up onto the steppe, beginning the day with a coffee in a village bar that for obvious reasons we’d not been to for a long time. It was good to see the owner again and to catch up on what’s been going on. As we drank our coffee in the morning sunshine, we watched House Martins and Swallows that were nesting in the village. Swifts were also around in good numbers, feeding overhead. Upon leaving the village, a Marsh Harrier flew alongside the car, patrolling a small area of reeds by a floodwater lagoon.
We headed across the plains to our first lookout point. As we got out of the car, we heard and then saw Crested Lark and then Corn Bunting. A raptor appeared, which turned out to be a Booted Eagle. As we scanned the skies, two sizeable birds flew in from the distance, and once close enough for a good view, we saw that they were Gull-billed Terns.
Booted Eagle
Then we stopped by an old farming hamlet surrounded by rolling cereal fields and vineyards. This is a reliable spot for Rock Sparrow, and today was no exception. We had good views of a number of individual birds that were nesting in the old buildings. Then as we made our way across the fields, a Little Owl flew from a rock pile to a nearby tree. We were on the watch for Black-bellied Sandgrouse, as my companion John had never seen one. Having checked the usual haunts and seen nothing, we went to another area of fields that often prove successful. We suddenly saw a flock of six birds flying fast and low before they came to rest in the fields in front of us. Everything looked right, so we quickly set up the scopes and to our delight, had fabulous views of this very special bird. Their black bellies and wingtips had been clear in flight but now they were on the ground, we could appreciate the delicate markings on the back and wings. Heat haze made it almost impossible to get a quality photo, but as I say many times, some moments are for watching, enjoying and remembering. As we were packing away the scopes, John caught sight of a passing Stone Curlew.
Rock Sparrow
We then spent some time at a couple of lagoons, which both held much more water than usual owing to the recent rainfall across the region. Flamingo were around in good numbers, as were Black-winged Stilts, Whiskered Tern and Coot. A little closer attention revealed White Headed Duck, Black Necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Red Crested Pochard and Shelduck.
White Headed Duck
As we made our way to the next lagoon, a Black-eared Wheatear flew across the track in front of us and came to rest on a low bush. Once at the lagoon, we had good views of Avocet as well as Great Reed Warbler and Grey Wagtail. Then it was time to explore the higher steppe, where we were hoping to see Great Bustard. Our first view was a group of around a dozen birds, but they were quite distant. Then a little later we were treated to quality views of six birds in flights before being fortunate enough to see yet more on the ground, this time much closer. It’s always great to see these magnificent creatures!
Great Bustards
Before we headed back to the motorway to begin our journey home, the day had two more special moments in store – the first was great views of a Calandra Lark that was moving around on the ground next to us – it’s thick bill and black collar very clear to see. Then as we made our final stop to scan across a small body of water, we were treated to views of a pair of Black Terns. A great way to end the day.
Calandra Lark
It had been a fabulous day, spent in an area for which I hold great affection. Hopefully, we’ll be back up here very soon, especially as the area is within just 45 minutes drive of my country home in the highlands of Alicante.
One of the many lagoons that can be found across the steppe of Castilla la Mancha
Written by David Warrington.